Snowing Sapporo - Otaru

1.3.2011 - Sapporo TV Tower

1.3.2011 - Clock Tower

2.3.2011 - Otaru Canal

2.3.2011 - Sapporo night view

3.3.2011 - Sapporo Morning

4.3.2011 - Sapporo to New Chitose Airport

Sakura & plum blossom at Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku-gyoen is one of top cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. The cherry just started blossom when we were there, it was early of March.

Not as famous as cherry blossom, but unique and lovely in their way. We spent hours in plum blossom viewing in Japanese Garden. We were lucky to see both cherry and plum blossom at the same time.

Me, being taken a photo by my dad as a memory of this beautiful park. This was one of the best part of the trip.

A world with no barrier - Japan

My parents and I came back from Japan few days before the earthquake and tsunami. We were shocked and it was lucky that we escaped from the havoc. I felt regret and sympathy for the destruction, as it is a place of delicious cultural, beautiful sights, shopper's paradise, glorious food, and wonderful people!

However, I was most impressed by the effort Japan had made a heaven for travelers with disabilities, a world with no barrier for the disabled people. Many buildings in Japan have access ramps and lifts, traffic lights playing melodies when it safe to cross, train platforms have raised dots and lines to provide guidance and many disabled public toilets in town. And the most importantly, they help and give priority to disable society, not only by spoken but real action. We received immediate help when we had difficulties. Japanese are remarkably conscientious, meticulous and honest. I hope and I believe Japan can recover very soon result from the characteristics. Kambateh neh!

Mom traveled in Sapporo town on wheelchair. She able to travel again after 5 years from the accident that cause her on wheelchair. Dad was so great that he pushed her all the journey, even in the blizzard. I was touched, it was not easy, really.